Town of Sharon Business and Development Guide

Transcription

1 Last updated on June 2021 Town of Sharon Business and Development Guide

2 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Introduction...1 Step-by-step guide...4 Flowcharts and guides Permitting Flowchart...5 Subdivision Approval Flowchart...6 Variance Process Flowchart...7 Septic Approval Flowchart...8 Applications, Permits, and Licenses Chart...10 Operating a Business From Home...11 Opening a(n) Restaurant...12 Liquor store...13 Winery, brewery, or distillery...14 Retail store...15 Manufacturing facility...16 Food market/bakery...17 Salon, spa, massage, or treatment facility...18 Animal care business...19 Manufacturing, growth, or retail marijuana facility...20 Additional resources...21 More about NRCC...22 FAQs Building Permits...23 Variances...24 Special Permits...25 Contact List...26 Town Offices and Addresses...27 i

3 W E L C O M E T O S H A R O N! On behalf of the Town of Sharon, its departments, staff, and our community, we welcome you to our beautiful town! We are thrilled that you have chosen Sharon as the location of your business or development and we are here to work with you along the way. Starting your new business adventure or development plan is certainly exciting, but can also be filled with questions and concerns. Getting started on the right track saves valuable time and resources. Our goal is to help to make the process of opening, growing, or relocating your business as stress-free as possible! We take pride in our customer service and will do whatever we can to support you in your endeavors. 1

4 W H Y S H A R O N? Angel's Cafe Sharon is located halfway between Boston and Providence... has great access to I-95, I-495, and Route 1... has access to the commuter rail and its own train stop 2

5 Sharon has a reputation for being beautiful, thanks to its 5,000 acres of protected open space (roughly 30% of all land in Town), including Mass Audubon and Borderland State Park, as well as Lake Massapoag at its heart. Sharon is also known for its excellent schools, its robust median income of $127,500, and was voted as '#1 Best Place to Live' by Money Magazine in We hope you enjoy our beautiful town as much as we do! 3

6 S T E P - B Y - S T E P G U I D E 1. Check what zone your parcel is in to determine whether your use is permitted by-right, by special permit, or prohibited*. Business Zone A: Downtown Sharon**. Click here for zoning guide. Business Zone B: Sharon Heights & Shaw's Plaza**. Click here for zoning guide. Business Zone C: Wilber School Apartments & Keating Park**. Click here for zoning guide. Business Zone D: Sharon Gallery**. Click here for zoning guide. Light Industrial: Route 1**. Click here for zoning guide. *Uses that are not listed in the charts are prohibited. ** Check whether your parcel falls within any Overlay Districts. If you'd like to access our interactive GIS map to get more zoning information about your district, click here. If your parcel is located in Business A/ Post Office Square, click here to see the sign requirements for the Historic District ( and the Post Office Square Guidelines) 2. Start the permitting process. See the permitting flowchart on the next page. If needed, also see the flowcharts in the following pages: - Variance flowchart; - Subdivision approval flowchart; - Septic tank permitting guide. 4

7 Permitting Flowchart Guide Regardless of the project size and scope, the process will always begin with a project proposal and a meeting with the Building Inspector. Certain projects require additional steps not seen here. For example, a subdivision must undertake the subdivision Link to Special Permit process, which has more than a dozen steps on its own, Procedures before completing this process. See the following pages for Link to Section 6222 information on the subdivision and variance process. 5 Link to Section 6320 and 6323

8 Subdivision Approval Process The Subdivision Approval process is a subset of the overall permitting process (this packet s first flow chart). After completing this process, the developer would need to continue the overall approval process. Exclusion from review materials: - 2 contact prints of plan - 2 copies of Form A - 1 electronic copy of proposed plan Preliminary Plan Materials: - 12 prints of plan - Minimum filing fee - Form B, Form D, Form D-1 Definitive Plan Filing Materials: - Original drawing of definitive plan - 12 contact prints of plan - Form L, Form C, Form D or D-1, Form E - Definitive Plan in DXF/DWG format to the Town Engineer For more information on the Subdivision Approval Process, please see the Land Subdivision Rules and Regulations, which can be found on the Town s website or by clicking here. Definitive Plan Filing: - File a notice with the Town Clerk stating the date of submission to the Board of approval - Competed Form C 6

9 Variance Process Link to Section

10 Septic Permitting Process 8

11 9

12 A P P L I C A T I O N S, P E R M I T S, A N D L I C E N S E S C H A R T The chart below indicates which departments you may need to be in contact with in order to obtain the necessary approvals, permits, licenses, and certificates. We cannot list every individual business use, but these are the most popular ones. TA- Town Administration; TC-Town Clerk; HD-Health Department; BD-Building Department; PL-Planning Board; PD-Police Department; FD-Fire Department Note: The Planning Board only needs to be consulted if your business is in Business Zone A or Business Zone C, for exterior modifications, or for a change of use (such as, turning a hair salon into a restaurant), or a change of zoning As of February 2021, the Town of Sharon no longer has available retail permits for the sale of tobacco products. The ongoing goal of the Board of Health is to move in the direction of limiting tobacco permitting, for the sake of working towards a healthier community. 10

13 O P E R A T I N G A B U S I N E S S F R O M H O M E What is a home occupation? A home occupation is a business conducted from a resident s home. The business is secondary to the use of the building for dwelling purposes. What are the restrictions on the type of business I can operate out of my home? Subsection 2314D of the Zoning Bylaws states that acceptable home businesses include "the shop of a carpenter, electrician, machinist, paperhanger, plumber, photographer or similar artisan, or an office, studio, or home occupation as described at Subsection 2314 having up to three subordinate nonresident positions accommodated on the premises." See Subsection 2314D for acceptable uses and regulations, and Subsection 2316 for restrictions. In general, businesses that operate out of a home cannot be detrimental or objectionable to the residential character of the neighborhood. This includes, but is not limited to the following actions; altering the exterior appearance of the home, increasing vehicular traffic, causing the emission of odor, gas or smoke, causing glaring or unshaded lights, creating excessive dust or noise and creating electrical disturbances. To get started with your home business, please contact: Zoning Enforcement Officer: Call (781) x2310 to determine whether your proposed use is allowed under our Zoning Bylaws. Town Clerk: Call (781) x1201 to acquire a Business Certificate 11

14 O P E N I N G A R E S T A U R A N T The Town of Sharon welcomes all new restaurants to join our wonderful community! To get started, you will need to work with a number of town departments and will need a specific set of licenses and permits. Town Administration: Common Victualler Restaurant license and/or ABCC Application (liquor license) As of June 2020, the Town still has plenty of on-premise liquor licenses it can issue. Contact the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board at (781) x1162 Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Food establishment permit/plan review Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Coriander's Bistro 12

15 O P E N I N G A L I Q U O R S T O R E The Town of Sharon has limited licenses for off-premise consumption. Please check with the Town Administration to determine availability. Please contact the following departments: Town Administration: Retail Package and/or ABCC Application (liquor license). As of June 2020, the Town no longer has available off-premises all-alcohol licenses, although it can still issue a limited amount of off-premises wine and malt licenses. Contact the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board at (781) x1162 Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Tobacco Permit Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections. Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Note: As of February 2021, the Town of Sharon no longer has available retail permits for the sale of tobacco products. The ongoing goal of the Board of Health is to move in the direction of limiting tobacco permitting, for the sake of working towards a healthier community. Liquor World 13

16 O P E N I N G A W I N E R Y, B R E W E R Y, O R D I S T I L L E R Y The Town of Sharon has limited liquor licenses. Please check with the Town Administration to determine availability. Additionally, you need to be in contact the following departments: Zoning Board: Consult the Zoning Board about this use in the Light Industrial district Contact the Board at sharonzba@townofsharon.org Town Administration: Farmer Series Town and ABCC Application (liquor license) As of June 2020, the Town no longer has available off-premises all-alcohol licenses, although it can still issue a limited amount of off-premises wine and malt licenses. On-premises all-liquor licenses are still widely available. Contact the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board at (781) x1162 Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Food establishment permit if preparing food Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Note: As of February 2021, the Town of Sharon no longer has available retail permits for the sale of tobacco products. The ongoing goal of the Board of Health is to move in the direction of limiting tobacco permitting, for the sake of working towards a healthier community. 14

17 O P E N I N G A R E T A I L S T O R E The Town of Sharon embraces new retail establishments with excitement! To get started, you will need to work with a number of Town departments and will need a specific set of licenses and permits. Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Food establishment permit/plan review Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) The Penny Candy Store 15

18 O P E N I N G A M A N U F A C T U R I N G Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 F A C I L I T Y The Town of Sharon welcomes you! To get started, you will need to work with a number of town departments and will need a specific set of licenses and permits. Health Department: Food establishment permit/plan review Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Metal Bellows 16

19 O P E N I N G A F O O D M A R K E T / B A K E R Y The Town of Sharon welcomes you! Our diverse population enjoys having many options in town that would appeal to different age groups and appetites. To get started, you will need to work with a number of town departments and will need a specific set of licenses and permits. Town Administration: Common Victualler Restaurant license (if serving prepared food or have seating). Contact the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board at (781) x1162 Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Food establishment permit/plan review Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Ward's Berry Farm-- Bakery 17

20 O P E N I N G A S A L O N, S P A, M A S S A G E, O R T R E A T M E N T F A C I L I T Y The Town of Sharon welcomes you! The residents of town have always shown strong support for service-based businesses. To get started, please reach out to the following departments: Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Manicure/pedicure license. Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) TT Nails and Spa 18

21 O P E N I N G A N A N I M A L C A R E B U S I N E S S The Town of Sharon welcomes you! To get started, please reach out to the following departments: Town Clerk: Business Certificate and yearly Kennel Certificate (Cost varies based on number of animals) Contact the Town Clerk at (781) x1201 Health Department: Keeping of animals permit, if applicable. Contact the Health Department at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Sharon Veterinary Clinic 19

22 O P E N I N G A M A N U F A C T U R I N G, G R O W, A N D / O R R E T A I L M A R I J U A N A F A C I L I T Y The Town of Sharon welcomes you! We are committed to having a safe and educated community. In order to open a grow and/or retail facility, please reach out to the following departments: Zoning Board: Consult the Zoning Board about this use by special permit in the Light Industrial district. As of June 2020, the Town no longer has available retail licenses for the sale of marijuana, although the Town can still issue growth licenses. Contact the Board at sharonzba@townofsharon.org Town Administration: Host Community Agreement Contact the Administrative Assistant to the Select Board at (781) x1162 Town Clerk: Business Certificate Contact the Town Clerk, at (781) x1201 Health Department: Keeping of animals permit, if applicable Contact the Health Department, at (781) x1205 Building Department: Permits are needed for new construction or alterations as well as the Zoning Board of Appeals' approval for signage Contact the Building Inspector at (781) x2310 Fire Department: New and modified fire suppression/detection systems; general safety inspections Contact the Sharon Fire Department at (781) Police Department: Security Plan Approval Contact the Sharon Police Department at (781)

23 The Town of Sharon is ready to assist you with anything you might need to start your own business. You can find information about funding sources via the links below: Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) Mass Development Small Business Administration (SBA) Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce 21

24 N E P O N S E T R I V E R R E G I O N A L C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E The NRRC is an excellent resource for those looking to connect with other business owners and discuss industry-specific issues and goals, as well as business owners who are interested in taking classes on how to improve their business practices. The NRCC also offers: Member-to-member coupons Free advising from the Massachusetts Small Business Center Referral Exchange Networks to develop personal business relations with other companies For additional information about membership benefits, contact any Chamber staff person at (781)

25 F A Q - B U I L D I N G P E R M I T S 1. What is a building permit? Building permits are issued by the Building Department to licensed contractors and homeowners to allow construction work to take place. 2. What type of work requires a building permit? Building permits are required to construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, remove or demolish a building or structure. Permits are required for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects. We encourage all homeowners and contractors to reach out to the Building Department prior to any project to ensure proper permitting. This will help prevent delays and work stoppages from occurring. 3. What type of work does NOT require a building permit? Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work does not require permitting, however, checking with the Building Department is advised. 4. How do I obtain a building permit? Building permits are available online. Click here or go to townofsharon.net -> Departments -> Public Works -> Building Division. 5. What fees are involved in getting a permit? Click here to see our permitting fees, or go to townofsharon.net -> Departments -> Public Works -> Building Division -> Permit fees 6. Do permits expire? Yes, permits become invalid if no work is done on the authorized site within 180 days after the permit's issuance, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. An extension may be granted for an additional 180 days if necessary. All extensions must be approved by the Building Department. 7. Are inspections required? Yes, inspections are required during construction at intervals sufficient to ensure compliance with the provisions of 780 CMR. The building official may designate specific inspection points in the course of construction that require the contractor or builder to give the building official one business day notice prior to the time when those inspections need to be performed. The building official shall make the inspections within two business days after notification. If a certificate of occupancy is required, a final inspection must occur in order for the certificate to be issued prior to the building being occupied. For questions regarding Building Permits, contact the Building Inspector at (781) ext

26 F A Q - V A R I A N C E S 1. What is a variance? A variance is a waiver that allows a property owner to use their property in a manner that deviates from the local zoning laws. 2. Who needs to apply for a variance? An applicant needs a variance when the use or dimensional regulations fall outside of the zoning bylaws. 3. What is the process of obtaining a variance? An applicant needs to seek a determination from the Building/Zoning Enforcement Officer on the applicability of the Zoning Code in reference to the applicant's project proposal. The application is available on our website. Once the application is submitted and reviewed, a hearing will be scheduled by the Building and Inspections Department. 4. Who approves a variance and is there an appeal process? The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications for variances. If the applicant's request is denied, there is an appeal process. Variance Forms (click to access each form) - Zoning Bylaws - Zoning Board of Appeals Application for a Hearing - Section 7. Variance Request Form - Abutter's Request Form For questions regarding Variances, contact the Building/Zoning Enforcement Officer at (781) ext

27 F A Q - S P E C I A L P E R M I T S 1. What is a Special Permit? A Special Permit is a request for authorization of use that may be allowed by Special Permit approval. All criteria must be met in order to be considered for approval of a Special Permit. 2. Who needs to apply for a Special Permit? A Special Permit is needed when the use requires authorization from either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals by Special Permit per the zoning bylaw. 3. What is the process of obtaining a Special Permit? If a Special Permit is required per the zoning bylaw, an application must be submitted along with the necessary documentation to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Check Subsection 4540 for application requirements, and contact the ZBA for further instruction at sharonzba@townofsharon.org. 25

28 Questions? Contact us! Town Administration Frederic Turkington- Town Administrator (781) x1160 Lauren Barnes- Assistant Town Administrator (781) x1161 Conservation Department John Thomas- Conservation Administrator (781) x1703 Department of Public Works Peter O'Cain- Town Engineer (781) x2316 Maria De La Fuente- Planning/Engineering Specialist (781) x2330 Water Department Robert Terpstra- Water Division Supervisor (781) x2338 Septic System Information Kevin Davis- Assistant Town Engineer and Board of Health Agent (781) x2317 Building and Inspection Department Kris White- Building Inspector/Zoning Officer (781) x2310 Assessors Department Jeffery Funk- Administrative Assessor (781) x1150 Health Department Leandra McLean- Public Health Nurse/Health Department Administrator (781) x1141 Linda Callan- Administrative Assistant to the Health Department (781) x1143 Town Clerk's Office Mark F. Hogan- Town Clerk (781) x1201 Police Department (781) Fire Department (781)

29 TOWN OFFICES Sharon Town Hall 90 S Main St, Sharon, MA Phone: (781) Monday: 8:30AM 5PM Tuesday: 8:30AM 5PM Wednesday: 8:30AM 5PM Thursday: 8:30AM 8PM Friday: 8:30AM 12:30PM DPW Building 217 S Main St, Sharon, MA Phone: (781) Monday: 8AM 5PM Tuesday: 8AM 5PM Wednesday: 8AM 5PM Thursday: 8AM 8PM Friday: 8AM 12:30PM Police Department 213 S Main St, Sharon, MA Phone: (781) Fire Department 211 S Main St, Sharon, MA Phone: (781)